Boutique Frustration

[APman3000]

I'm dealing with a JV boutique with a notorious reputation. I've purchased five AP across the major lines (ladies, RO, Code, Offshore), three from the JV boutique, 1 grey and 1 at an AP boutique overseas. For over a year, I have been trying to obtain a blue dial RO or ROC and the boutique has only said it will be difficult and otherwise given no indication that they are working on it or trying their best. During that time span, the boutique has sent me a few other offers that I have turned down because they weren't blue, but the most recent offer was for the watch that I already purchased grey. This was pretty off-putting considering the SA is aware that I purchased that watch grey and it's on my profile. Just seems like there's no care being put into what is offered and the SA is just sending me the scraps that someone else turns down.

When I visited an AP boutique overseas recently, they were appalled and said I should have already been offered a blue dial given my profile.

This is the only boutique in the region so I'm not sure what to do (other than buy grey of course). Is it possible to transfer to a boutique and work with them remotely? If so, would my existing profile carry some weight or would I be starting over from scratch?

[Steele]

It’s not easy to transfer I had to do it myself and it was a pain in the butt

Also your kinda asking for a very hard to come by watch in high demand.

I sat down with the head guy in NY who is in charge of distribution of actual pieces to Nomads and ADs and when he broke it down it was crazy how little there really are here in the US I expected way more

[xliang23]

Originally Posted by Steele

It’s not easy to transfer I had to do it myself and it was a pain in the butt

Also your kinda asking for a very hard to come by watch in high demand.

I sat down with the head guy in NY who is in charge of distribution of actual pieces to Nomads and ADs and when he broke it down it was crazy how little there really are here in the US I expected way more

Blue dial 15510 or 26240 is not a "very hard to come by watch" at all. With his/her history, I'm also appalled.

[APman3000]

Originally Posted by xliang23

Blue dial 15510 or 26240 is not a "very hard to come by watch" at all. With his/her history, I'm also appalled.

Thanks. I understand a blue dial is in demand, but I figured it would be a fairly easy request for a sixth piece. I see people on here getting Jumbos/Ceramics/Openworks as pieces 5/6 for example. If I can't even obtain a blue dial at this point, I don't understand how I could ever get those watches or what I would even be expected to get before the blue dial.

[johnsonsxusfrt]

Originally Posted by APman3000

I'm dealing with a JV boutique with a notorious reputation. I've purchased five AP across the major lines (ladies, RO, Code, Offshore), three from the JV boutique, 1 grey and 1 at an AP boutique overseas. For over a year, I have been trying to obtain a blue dial RO or ROC and the boutique has only said it will be difficult and otherwise given no indication that they are working on it or trying their best. During that time span, the boutique has sent me a few other offers that I have turned down because they weren't blue, but the most recent offer was for the watch that I already purchased grey. This was pretty off-putting considering the SA is aware that I purchased that watch grey and it's on my profile. Just seems like there's no care being put into what is offered and the SA is just sending me the scraps that someone else turns down.

When I visited an AP boutique overseas recently, they were appalled and said I should have already been offered a blue dial given my profile.

This is the only boutique in the region so I'm not sure what to do (other than buy grey of course). Is it possible to transfer to a boutique and work with them remotely? If so, would my existing profile carry some weight or would I be starting over from scratch?

I have a similar profile as you and was offered a Blue RO earlier this year. You should respectfully ask to speak with the Boutique manager and sort this out

[golfer_john]

My thought is I doubt you get any credit for pieces purchased grey or at other boutiques, so let's say you really have a 3 watch history with them. I would have to hear the details on those 3 to make a fair assessment about being offered a blue dial RO.

I would also note that your interactions with them are very important. My experience is the relationship has to be developed. Not saying you haven't done that, just that transactional buyers don't get very far.

[APman3000]

Originally Posted by golfer_john

My thought is I doubt you get any credit for pieces purchased grey or at other boutiques, so let's say you really have a 3 watch history with them. I would have to hear the details on those 3 to make a fair assessment about being offered a blue dial RO.

I would also note that your interactions with them are very important. My experience is the relationship has to be developed. Not saying you haven't done that, just that transactional buyers don't get very far.

I definitely understand that and have almost been approaching it as if I am asking for my fourth piece from this boutique, but I felt like the other two purchases should function as some sort of thumb on the scale. Even still, I assumed a blue dial for a fourth piece would be reasonable.

As for details on the other pieces, I bought a 34mm white dial RO as the first piece. I wanted a matching men's RO but the SA and boutique manager poured cold water on this and so after waiting around a year, I purchased myself on the grey market. A few months later, I purchased a 43mm ceramic Offshore next and the boutique had noticed that I purchased the RO grey and said something about how it really showed my commitment to AP, so I figured that helped me. At that point, I talked to my SA about how I wanted a blue dial and SA said not yet, but maybe after a Code. A year later, I bought a PM Code grey dial and reiterated my desire for a blue dial RO or ROC and my SA just said it would be difficult. It has been a year since that and every time I have asked about it since then, I'm just told how hard it would be.

As for developing the relationship, I have stopped by on numerous occasions to chat about watches. I wear all of my watches into the boutique. I text with my SA regularly about new developments. I'll be honest, I just don't get the best vibe from my SA, the boutique manager or the boutique itself. There was a member who went to all of the AP boutiques in the U.S. recently and I'll just say that my boutique stood out as the worst one. My experiences at the few AP boutiques and AP Houses that I have been to abroad on vacation have greatly surpassed my experience at my local boutique.

Also, appreciate all of the other feedback from everyone else.

[golfer_john]

Originally Posted by APman3000

I definitely understand that and have almost been approaching it as if I am asking for my fourth piece from this boutique, but I felt like the other two purchases should function as some sort of thumb on the scale. Even still, I assumed a blue dial for a fourth piece would be reasonable.

As for details on the other pieces, I bought a 34mm white dial RO as the first piece. I wanted a matching men's RO but the SA and boutique manager poured cold water on this and so after waiting around a year, I purchased myself on the grey market. A few months later, I purchased a 43mm ceramic Offshore next and the boutique had noticed that I purchased the RO grey and said something about how it really showed my commitment to AP, so I figured that helped me. At that point, I talked to my SA about how I wanted a blue dial and SA said not yet, but maybe after a Code. A year later, I bought a PM Code grey dial and reiterated my desire for a blue dial RO or ROC and my SA just said it would be difficult. It has been a year since that and every time I have asked about it since then, I'm just told how hard it would be.

As for developing the relationship, I have stopped by on numerous occasions to chat about watches. I wear all of my watches into the boutique. I text with my SA regularly about new developments. I'll be honest, I just don't get the best vibe from my SA, the boutique manager or the boutique itself. There was a member who went to all of the AP boutiques in the U.S. recently and I'll just say that my boutique stood out as the worst one. My experiences at the few AP boutiques and AP Houses that I have been to abroad on vacation have greatly surpassed my experience at my local boutique.

Also, appreciate all of the other feedback from everyone else.

Yeah, just sounds like an unfortunate boutique/SA relationship. You've followed the script as far as I can tell. Feel for ya. Maybe worth exploring the NOMAD option like others have suggested.

[kunchalermkiatkul]

Originally Posted by APman3000

I definitely understand that and have almost been approaching it as if I am asking for my fourth piece from this boutique, but I felt like the other two purchases should function as some sort of thumb on the scale. Even still, I assumed a blue dial for a fourth piece would be reasonable.

As for details on the other pieces, I bought a 34mm white dial RO as the first piece. I wanted a matching men's RO but the SA and boutique manager poured cold water on this and so after waiting around a year, I purchased myself on the grey market. A few months later, I purchased a 43mm ceramic Offshore next and the boutique had noticed that I purchased the RO grey and said something about how it really showed my commitment to AP, so I figured that helped me. At that point, I talked to my SA about how I wanted a blue dial and SA said not yet, but maybe after a Code. A year later, I bought a PM Code grey dial and reiterated my desire for a blue dial RO or ROC and my SA just said it would be difficult. It has been a year since that and every time I have asked about it since then, I'm just told how hard it would be.

As for developing the relationship, I have stopped by on numerous occasions to chat about watches. I wear all of my watches into the boutique. I text with my SA regularly about new developments. I'll be honest, I just don't get the best vibe from my SA, the boutique manager or the boutique itself. There was a member who went to all of the AP boutiques in the U.S. recently and I'll just say that my boutique stood out as the worst one. My experiences at the few AP boutiques and AP Houses that I have been to abroad on vacation have greatly surpassed my experience at my local boutique.

Also, appreciate all of the other feedback from everyone else.

One question from me, how boutiques know that you bought from grey market ? My SA told me that if you registered timepiece that you obtain from grey then they will consider that you already got this model so that they tend not to offer that piece to you in the future.

[7sins]

Originally Posted by Uppersouth

Which US boutiques are actually owned by AP? I’ve heard that even some of the AP Houses are run by Material Good?

Los Angeles boutiques, BH/WeHo are owned by AP. They were purchased from Westime last year for an ABSURD amount of money.

Originally Posted by golfer_john

My thought is I doubt you get any credit for pieces purchased grey or at other boutiques, so let's say you really have a 3 watch history with them.

This is exactly right, it is your purchase history with the boutique that counts unfortunately and how much your SA likes you.

[Reign]

Not an unreasonable ask - sounds like a terrible SA


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[VogelPhoenix]

To add to the chorus - steel 15510 or 26240 in dial color of choice should be quite reasonable at this stage.

[PP&AP]

I realize I was very lucky here, but I got my blue 15500 as my 2nd watch and this was in early 2022. Even with the 3 purchases they are likely taking into account, it seems to be quite reasonable.

[m3tek44]

sorry to hear of the frustration. yes you transfer history to new boutique and to be fair you should able to get blue or green dial (15510/26240) base on your your purchases history.

[mickyd329]

I suggest maybe moving boutiques or trying to get on the nomad program.

I didn't like the experience at the local boutiques in my area and use a boutique out of state.

[watchman124]

Originally Posted by mickyd329

I suggest maybe moving boutiques or trying to get on the nomad program.

I didn't like the experience at the local boutiques in my area and use a boutique out of state.

How do you join NOMAD if you don't like your boutique?

[mickyd329]

Originally Posted by watchman124

How do you join NOMAD if you don't like your boutique?

I don't know exactly what the process is, but reaching out to AP North America is where I would start.

[NB614]

In my personal experience, I've found JV boutiques to be horrible. In fact, this almost sounds like my old boutique and SA. I experienced almost the exact same situation where I was holding out for a blue dial RO after a few purchases and after a bit, I sort of got the cold shoulder. I ended up transferring out of there and into the Nomad program last year thanks to some friends.

Without having friends or a corporate connection inside of Nomad, I have no idea how one goes about transferring. Reaching out to APNA as another user suggested would probably be the best place to start.

If that fails, then I would suggest sitting down with the boutique manager and discussing your frustrations or setting up a meeting at another boutique to discuss transferring.

[Il Tifoso]

Sorry to hear about OP’s experience.

I’m relatively new to AP, but could someone please educate me: what is JV and Nomad?

Cheers and thanks in advance!

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by Il Tifoso

Sorry to hear about OP’s experience.

I’m relatively new to AP, but could someone please educate me: what is JV and Nomad?

JV = Joint Venture with some jewelry store chain
Nomad = special non-advertised invitation-only program for people who for one reason or another don't have a boutique to work with

[Uppersouth]

Which US boutiques are actually owned by AP? I’ve heard that even some of the AP Houses are run by Material Good?

[SMD]

Originally Posted by Uppersouth

Which US boutiques are actually owned by AP? I’ve heard that even some of the AP Houses are run by Material Good?

Used to be only NY 57th St and Bal Harbor. Others may have been brought in-house and others here can add to the list as I have not kept up.

[Il Tifoso]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

JV = Joint Venture with some jewelry store chain
Nomad = special non-advertised invitation-only program for people who for one reason or another don't have a boutique to work with

Thanks, much appreciated!

[Watchmanaz]

Just buy Grey and keep your dignity and never please someone to buy from them. To me they need to court me to buy.

[Uppersouth]

Thanks for the information. I’m looking forward to visiting the new AP House at Miami Beach. Supposedly opening early 2024.


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[lencap]

Maybe the dealer was signaling that buying a RO grey didn’t signify your commitment to the brand, as he stated, but the AD’s putting you in the penalty box for not playing by his rules.

His comment: “Maybe after a Code” may have meant you have to do it our way, and buying what we suggest when we suggest it is the only way to get what you want.

Just my speculation here, no facts, but if the AD is as difficult to deal with as you and others have experienced it seems reasonable to consider that “punishing” you for straying outside their game rules is at least a possibility.